Guest, you could just as easily read that definition as referring to a a place where you have the ability to get a "meal or a refreshment." That is, I go in and I have that option, not that they offer at least one of the two. By that reading, you really can't get a meal at Baskin-Robbins, so it does not qualify as a restaurant. We could argue that the "or" would need to be an "and", but I work in a building with a coke machine and a candy machine, which both contain refreshments, yet no one (except one arguing your point--or who wants to claim that a snickers is a meal) would call that a restaurant. I doubt that the snickers eater would call it a restaurant either.
I'm still stuck on the places serving "bugers." I guess the author doesn't read these comments.
I've played the computer version of the game. I think I still have it. It's ok. It does teach you to start thinking of money and investments differently, but it's not very hard to win the game. Once you get the hang of the way you should choose on the various purchases, you can win it every time you play it. It's a little harder translating that to real like when real dollars are involved.
Jeff: I wish you'd write more (I know you are busy enjoying life and all that). I love your posts and the brief mentions I hear about you on the interwebs. I loved the fact that you promoted you book on frugality in the thriftiest way possible! More need to pay attention to you.
Rereading your rant to the poor kid, what is your problem? Why would you do that to the girl? She's got enough insecurities and obstacles as a young kid/teen as it is. Why sour her childhood with your paranoia that everyone is out to get your money? I'm glad you're not my mom!
What? Maybe the clerk was just trying to help the kid get a good deal for what little they had, or simply be nice.
Just because you don't fawn over the clerk being the girls BFF doesn't mean that the clerk has a negative motive. Some people out there really are nice. Why ruin your kids fun and good outlook for the world for absolutely no reason? The kid will learn that some people screw you over in time, but it is highly, highly doubtful that that occurred here. Leave your poor kid alone, and let her live as a kid a little while. Sheesh.
Here's some more discussion about the price from BGG: http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/104828 The best comment on that thread is this: "I can say that this game made me money! I bought it for $3 at a thrift store and sold it for $150 on ebay Cashflow has my vote."
Actually, we hate censoring comments. In fact, we hate censoring comments so much, we want to let the community do the moderation in the future (ie., by allowing readers to vote comments up/down).
But for the record, Wise Bread is more like a party in a private living room, not a public space. Not to put too fine a point on it -- there is no right to free speech here.
There are common sense civility rules we ask guests to follow, and we will moderate comments that are off-topic or inappropriate without hesitation.
Nothing with the tax code is ever easy. I was trying to make the point that, if you follow the rules (don't take money out until your account is 5 years old and wait until you're 59-and-a-half), then you don't owe taxes on the earnings in your Roth: It doesn't matter if they're from income or capital gains, and it doesn't matter how much you withdraw in any particular year. But, you're right--if you take money out before your Roth is 5 years old, you may owe taxes on the earnings. And, like with other retirement accounts, there's a 10% penalty tax if you take the money out before you're 59-and-a-half. (There are a bunch of exceptions--you can take the money out early without penalty if you become disabled, for example, or to buy a first house, or to pay college expenses, or to pay your medical insurance expenses if you lose your job--there are plenty more.)
I would just ask nicely, I think most people will understand if you explain your feelings to them. Just don't make it seem like you are attacking or criticizing them, or putting them down. Maybe start off by saying that you are trying to be more consciences about the earth and explain what bothers you and why and if they can not do it anymore and how much it would mean to you and things like that. Just be polite and nice. Most people are very understanding; it's only when people start with an attack instead of explaining first that people get upset. :-)
If you liked this book, I recommend you check out one I read this spring called, THE POWER OF SMALL: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. (Linda Kaplan Thaler, it turns out, wrote the jingle for Toys R Us among other things!) The book is filled with really wonderful tips and stories of how you can "think small" in order to achieve big goals. I loved it and have really been inspired by this new way of thinking.
I have two seniors, and I love them tremendously. They are my `kids'. However, not until I began tracking our monthly expenses via Excel a few months back did I realize how much I was spending on food, medicine, treats & toys. They can be extremely expensive.! We're all on a budget, so stuffed toys are now purchased at the thrift store, and treats have been cut back.
However, because mine are geriatrics, there will be no heroic measures when the diagnosis comes. I've made it clear to my vet that there'll be comfort measures only, no surgeries or the like.
It IS very expensive to own pets, especially large dogs. Our annual check up for the two, including a new prescription for arthritis pain and full blood screen, was nearly $600.
I have now set up a monthly auto savings with ING direct dedicated to Vet bills, so that I'll have funds set aside in advance for the next Vet trip. I'd recommend that to all, it's a good way to budget for the Vet bills.
I have thought regarding the CAP. I think it's a bit unevaluated. What about receptionist's salaries? If the CEO works 12 hours a day, then takes jet and flies to Beijing for the key-meeting with business partner, shareholders or whoever, then it would be unfair to pay the guy who sits in lobby and watches YouTube all day long 1/25th of the CEO's pay.
It's nice topic to read and thanks a lot to all of the guys who posted ideas and thoughts.
Originally I'm from Russia, long-running communist ideas producer and exporter, and we definitely don't want these communist's ideas again. It's just so bad so it will take pages to explain. In "equal" society everyone is treated as the worst person. Whoever you are - scientist who designed the superjet, space shuttle, ground-breaking technology or world-famous athlete - you are treated equally as your "comrade" Ivan, who is working in factory 8-to-8, takes couple of shots of vodka before he comes to work, and beats his wife all the evening after.
Actually the communism idea never worked as those communist tops were living in extreme luxury while the population itself was living in extreme poverty. And the KGB function was (in addition to exporting the communists ideas world-wide) to hide the truth from the majority of population to give a perception that everyone gets the same. People didn't like this. That's why this idea collapsed.
Sorry for the novel above. The point is, if you think you are treated unfairly and you think you "cost" more, then go to the market look for someone who will be ready to pay to you more. If there is none, so what you see is what you get. I think that's fair enough.
I agree with Stephanie - well written. As a contract employee, I constantly am on the lookout for my next gig (www.findajobnow.weebly.com is my favorite site. There are plenty of jobs available and thankfully I have heard a lot of folks are being hired. There will just be a shake down period where employers will shed the deadwood and retool their workforce.
Also on black pants or shirts, always only was in cold water, and make sure to turn them inside out. Heard this tip years ago, and it does cut down on the fading of black items.
Shoes: I live in MN so winters can be tough on shoes and purses. Every fall as I sadly put my sandals away, I clean my fall/winter shoes, and then I mink oil them. Mink oil will shine them and protect from wetness, and salt stains. I have some shoes and 2 Coach purses that you would never guess were 6 years old. I will also reappy by December if it has been a harsh winter.
Another tip I got years ago that has worked for me is on stains on clothes: White bar soap----it must be white like Ivory, but any brand will do. I have even got blood out of a white tee shirt. Dampen the spot, and rub the bar quite thickly on the stain. I usually let it sit for several hours, or do it as soon as i notice the stain.
"Change something in your daily life and you will see the benefits steadily accumulate." Good quote here, although this is much easier said than done. Thanks for the post!
Lynn and Julie, Thanks for clarifying this but I think this is something you should be posting in your actual article. I agree there are many places that are just ridicules to eat at, but Ruby Tuesday is not one of them. My posting intended to show that 350 calories is per person. Appetizers are meant to share with other people. I do agree there are some out there that could eat all on their own but let’s be realistic, 90% of us don't. So why smother a good restaurants name when you know the 1,000 calorie remark is not true for most people. Most don't eat the whole thing, and if they do, it's to replace a full meal.
Also, I did not appreciate you playing around with my post. Comments are a public place to post ANY comments that pertain and have a meaning towards the article. I don't appreciate you deleting my first post, then when I posted my second post , you deleted that and reposted my first but completely modified. Please DO NOT MESS WITH MY FREE SPEACH RIGHT!!! And please don't modify my posts to suit your needs.
Amazingly, I was just about to look up Sallie Mae loans and try to apply for about 1k because the loans I'm getting directly from my college won't cover everything. However, reading all of this...and I'm glad I did...I will definitely not do so. Thank you all for your info! At least I know that I will not be in debt alone!
Yet, I still feel a bit hopeless trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for my education...it's really sad.
The nutritional listings you linked to for Ruby Tuesdays are "per serving", with no further information provided for how many servings are in each order. Since appetizers are generally intended for more than one person, you can probably double, triple, or possibly quadruple the numbers in the chart.
Buy a simple wordrobe and focus on fit. Dont have too many prints, stripes, and patterns. Also dont go all out on fads and trends like Ed Hardy shirts. For guys this might be easier. I've stopped buying patterned shirts and just stick to solid color polo's and plain colored t shirts. They go with anything and I dont worry too much about people noticing I wore the same thing a few days ago. Also be sure to try on the clothes before you buy them to make sure they fit well. I used to buy alot of unfitting clothes just because they were on sale. After a while I hated the way they made me look so I'd just revert back to my great fitting shirts and pants. If you have a simple great fitting woredrobe you wont have to buy new clothes every season.
I love this topic! It is so difficult to address a big issue when it is overwhelming. I need to apply this to myself and teach it in my daily work (with chronically ill people). For some reason its easier to teach the concept than DO!!
I actually have what I refer to as my "Sunny Day Fund," which is just about identical to an "Opportunity Fund." It's extra money set aside in a savings account... Doesn't really have a definite purpose, it's just there to be spent on whatever I decide is an appropriate use for the funds. So far, it's only things that are really really important to me... A great rare item for a collection, more tattoos, supplementing another fund, etc.
I also have a "Travel Fund" that doubles as an "Opportunity Fund." Just this past week we used some of it to provide the funds to buy a used set of wheels a friend of a friend is selling for our project car. It's a good deal, and having the cash on hand to pounce on the opportunity was great! (Of course, money gets paid back ASAP, but it's great to have funds to draw on when necessary.)
Really, everyone needs one of these. It's the best thing ever. :)
Guest, you could just as easily read that definition as referring to a a place where you have the ability to get a "meal or a refreshment." That is, I go in and I have that option, not that they offer at least one of the two. By that reading, you really can't get a meal at Baskin-Robbins, so it does not qualify as a restaurant. We could argue that the "or" would need to be an "and", but I work in a building with a coke machine and a candy machine, which both contain refreshments, yet no one (except one arguing your point--or who wants to claim that a snickers is a meal) would call that a restaurant. I doubt that the snickers eater would call it a restaurant either.
I'm still stuck on the places serving "bugers." I guess the author doesn't read these comments.
I love the thrift store comment. Great feedback guys, keep it coming.
I've played the computer version of the game. I think I still have it. It's ok. It does teach you to start thinking of money and investments differently, but it's not very hard to win the game. Once you get the hang of the way you should choose on the various purchases, you can win it every time you play it. It's a little harder translating that to real like when real dollars are involved.
Jeff: I wish you'd write more (I know you are busy enjoying life and all that). I love your posts and the brief mentions I hear about you on the interwebs. I loved the fact that you promoted you book on frugality in the thriftiest way possible! More need to pay attention to you.
Rereading your rant to the poor kid, what is your problem? Why would you do that to the girl? She's got enough insecurities and obstacles as a young kid/teen as it is. Why sour her childhood with your paranoia that everyone is out to get your money? I'm glad you're not my mom!
What? Maybe the clerk was just trying to help the kid get a good deal for what little they had, or simply be nice.
Just because you don't fawn over the clerk being the girls BFF doesn't mean that the clerk has a negative motive. Some people out there really are nice. Why ruin your kids fun and good outlook for the world for absolutely no reason? The kid will learn that some people screw you over in time, but it is highly, highly doubtful that that occurred here. Leave your poor kid alone, and let her live as a kid a little while. Sheesh.
HELL NO it's not worth $256. Its rating on BoardGameGeek is pretty low, too.
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6552
Here's some more discussion about the price from BGG: http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/104828 The best comment on that thread is this: "I can say that this game made me money! I bought it for $3 at a thrift store and sold it for $150 on ebay Cashflow has my vote."
If you want a good economy/money based game you should probably try out Power Grid: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2651
Actually, we hate censoring comments. In fact, we hate censoring comments so much, we want to let the community do the moderation in the future (ie., by allowing readers to vote comments up/down).
But for the record, Wise Bread is more like a party in a private living room, not a public space. Not to put too fine a point on it -- there is no right to free speech here.
There are common sense civility rules we ask guests to follow, and we will moderate comments that are off-topic or inappropriate without hesitation.
From the Wise Bread Commenting Policy:
You agree to keep your comments:
You agree to refrain from posting any material that:
This rules aren't meant to stifle anyone's opinion. We just want to make Wise Bread a pleasant place to visit for everyone. Thanks everyone!
Nothing with the tax code is ever easy. I was trying to make the point that, if you follow the rules (don't take money out until your account is 5 years old and wait until you're 59-and-a-half), then you don't owe taxes on the earnings in your Roth: It doesn't matter if they're from income or capital gains, and it doesn't matter how much you withdraw in any particular year. But, you're right--if you take money out before your Roth is 5 years old, you may owe taxes on the earnings. And, like with other retirement accounts, there's a 10% penalty tax if you take the money out before you're 59-and-a-half. (There are a bunch of exceptions--you can take the money out early without penalty if you become disabled, for example, or to buy a first house, or to pay college expenses, or to pay your medical insurance expenses if you lose your job--there are plenty more.)
Gory details here:
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p590/ch02.html#en_US_publink10006523
[Updated to add--I've updated the main text as well so that it comes closer to saying what I meant.]
I would just ask nicely, I think most people will understand if you explain your feelings to them. Just don't make it seem like you are attacking or criticizing them, or putting them down. Maybe start off by saying that you are trying to be more consciences about the earth and explain what bothers you and why and if they can not do it anymore and how much it would mean to you and things like that. Just be polite and nice. Most people are very understanding; it's only when people start with an attack instead of explaining first that people get upset. :-)
If you liked this book, I recommend you check out one I read this spring called, THE POWER OF SMALL: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. (Linda Kaplan Thaler, it turns out, wrote the jingle for Toys R Us among other things!) The book is filled with really wonderful tips and stories of how you can "think small" in order to achieve big goals. I loved it and have really been inspired by this new way of thinking.
I have two seniors, and I love them tremendously. They are my `kids'. However, not until I began tracking our monthly expenses via Excel a few months back did I realize how much I was spending on food, medicine, treats & toys. They can be extremely expensive.! We're all on a budget, so stuffed toys are now purchased at the thrift store, and treats have been cut back.
However, because mine are geriatrics, there will be no heroic measures when the diagnosis comes. I've made it clear to my vet that there'll be comfort measures only, no surgeries or the like.
It IS very expensive to own pets, especially large dogs. Our annual check up for the two, including a new prescription for arthritis pain and full blood screen, was nearly $600.
I have now set up a monthly auto savings with ING direct dedicated to Vet bills, so that I'll have funds set aside in advance for the next Vet trip. I'd recommend that to all, it's a good way to budget for the Vet bills.
I have thought regarding the CAP. I think it's a bit unevaluated. What about receptionist's salaries? If the CEO works 12 hours a day, then takes jet and flies to Beijing for the key-meeting with business partner, shareholders or whoever, then it would be unfair to pay the guy who sits in lobby and watches YouTube all day long 1/25th of the CEO's pay.
It's nice topic to read and thanks a lot to all of the guys who posted ideas and thoughts.
Originally I'm from Russia, long-running communist ideas producer and exporter, and we definitely don't want these communist's ideas again. It's just so bad so it will take pages to explain. In "equal" society everyone is treated as the worst person. Whoever you are - scientist who designed the superjet, space shuttle, ground-breaking technology or world-famous athlete - you are treated equally as your "comrade" Ivan, who is working in factory 8-to-8, takes couple of shots of vodka before he comes to work, and beats his wife all the evening after.
Actually the communism idea never worked as those communist tops were living in extreme luxury while the population itself was living in extreme poverty. And the KGB function was (in addition to exporting the communists ideas world-wide) to hide the truth from the majority of population to give a perception that everyone gets the same. People didn't like this. That's why this idea collapsed.
Sorry for the novel above. The point is, if you think you are treated unfairly and you think you "cost" more, then go to the market look for someone who will be ready to pay to you more. If there is none, so what you see is what you get. I think that's fair enough.
I agree with Stephanie - well written. As a contract employee, I constantly am on the lookout for my next gig (www.findajobnow.weebly.com is my favorite site. There are plenty of jobs available and thankfully I have heard a lot of folks are being hired. There will just be a shake down period where employers will shed the deadwood and retool their workforce.
Also on black pants or shirts, always only was in cold water, and make sure to turn them inside out. Heard this tip years ago, and it does cut down on the fading of black items.
Shoes: I live in MN so winters can be tough on shoes and purses. Every fall as I sadly put my sandals away, I clean my fall/winter shoes, and then I mink oil them. Mink oil will shine them and protect from wetness, and salt stains. I have some shoes and 2 Coach purses that you would never guess were 6 years old. I will also reappy by December if it has been a harsh winter.
Another tip I got years ago that has worked for me is on stains on clothes: White bar soap----it must be white like Ivory, but any brand will do. I have even got blood out of a white tee shirt. Dampen the spot, and rub the bar quite thickly on the stain. I usually let it sit for several hours, or do it as soon as i notice the stain.
"Zip Up Before You Wash" This is a good tip, I have ruined so many pairs of good jeans by not zipping them up! Great tips and good post here!
Great post here, I love how you wrote it, very amusing!
"Change something in your daily life and you will see the benefits steadily accumulate." Good quote here, although this is much easier said than done. Thanks for the post!
Lynn and Julie, Thanks for clarifying this but I think this is something you should be posting in your actual article. I agree there are many places that are just ridicules to eat at, but Ruby Tuesday is not one of them. My posting intended to show that 350 calories is per person. Appetizers are meant to share with other people. I do agree there are some out there that could eat all on their own but let’s be realistic, 90% of us don't. So why smother a good restaurants name when you know the 1,000 calorie remark is not true for most people. Most don't eat the whole thing, and if they do, it's to replace a full meal.
Also, I did not appreciate you playing around with my post. Comments are a public place to post ANY comments that pertain and have a meaning towards the article. I don't appreciate you deleting my first post, then when I posted my second post , you deleted that and reposted my first but completely modified. Please DO NOT MESS WITH MY FREE SPEACH RIGHT!!! And please don't modify my posts to suit your needs.
Amazingly, I was just about to look up Sallie Mae loans and try to apply for about 1k because the loans I'm getting directly from my college won't cover everything. However, reading all of this...and I'm glad I did...I will definitely not do so. Thank you all for your info! At least I know that I will not be in debt alone!
Yet, I still feel a bit hopeless trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for my education...it's really sad.
The nutritional listings you linked to for Ruby Tuesdays are "per serving", with no further information provided for how many servings are in each order. Since appetizers are generally intended for more than one person, you can probably double, triple, or possibly quadruple the numbers in the chart.
Buy a simple wordrobe and focus on fit. Dont have too many prints, stripes, and patterns. Also dont go all out on fads and trends like Ed Hardy shirts. For guys this might be easier. I've stopped buying patterned shirts and just stick to solid color polo's and plain colored t shirts. They go with anything and I dont worry too much about people noticing I wore the same thing a few days ago. Also be sure to try on the clothes before you buy them to make sure they fit well. I used to buy alot of unfitting clothes just because they were on sale. After a while I hated the way they made me look so I'd just revert back to my great fitting shirts and pants. If you have a simple great fitting woredrobe you wont have to buy new clothes every season.
I love this topic! It is so difficult to address a big issue when it is overwhelming. I need to apply this to myself and teach it in my daily work (with chronically ill people). For some reason its easier to teach the concept than DO!!
I will definitely be reading this one!
I actually have what I refer to as my "Sunny Day Fund," which is just about identical to an "Opportunity Fund." It's extra money set aside in a savings account... Doesn't really have a definite purpose, it's just there to be spent on whatever I decide is an appropriate use for the funds. So far, it's only things that are really really important to me... A great rare item for a collection, more tattoos, supplementing another fund, etc.
I also have a "Travel Fund" that doubles as an "Opportunity Fund." Just this past week we used some of it to provide the funds to buy a used set of wheels a friend of a friend is selling for our project car. It's a good deal, and having the cash on hand to pounce on the opportunity was great! (Of course, money gets paid back ASAP, but it's great to have funds to draw on when necessary.)
Really, everyone needs one of these. It's the best thing ever. :)
You're all missing the point. There's no problem with high fat foods! It's the high carb foods that are unhealthy. ALL grains are unhealthy.